Acclaimed actor and musician, Pierre-Luc Brillant, is stepping back into the political arena once more, this time with the Parti Québécois.
The party revealed on Saturday that Brillant is set to make his second electoral bid in the vibrant Montreal district of Rosemont. The constituency, known for its strong sense of unity, is in a state of flux following the decision of outgoing Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Vincent Marissal, to retire from politics.
In the previous election, Brillant finished in third place, trailing behind Marissal and Sandra O’Connor of the CAQ. Despite this setback, Brillant remained dedicated to his political pursuits and was appointed as the vice-president of the Union des artistes in 2023.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Brillant shared, “I am returning to a constituency that holds a special place in my heart, fueled by the same passion as in 2022 but with added experience and unwavering resolve.”
The 48-year-old artist rose to fame in 2006 for his portrayal of Raymond Beaulieu in the acclaimed film “C.R.A.Z.Y” by Jean-Marc Vallée. A graduate of the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, Brillant has also engaged in various musical endeavors throughout his career.
“My advocacy has always been channeled through culture and civic involvement. Culture is the cornerstone of our society, the foundation from which our national identity flourishes,” he emphasized. “As an artist, I firmly believe that it should not just be safeguarded but propelled towards a sustainable and prosperous future, with no limits in sight.”
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon hailed Brillant as one of the artistic figures who epitomizes the yearning for freedom prevalent among Quebecers. “Through his iconic roles and music, he exudes a profound love for Quebec and its heritage, making him an artist deeply intertwined with our essence,” Plamondon remarked.
While dedicated to championing Quebec’s unique identity and culture, Brillant underscores the pressing need to prioritize the revitalization of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital, a key initiative for the residents of Rosemont.
Brillant, a resident of the neighborhood himself, emphasized, “Rosemont is an extraordinary community, but it must remain accessible to its inhabitants and vibrant with activity.”
In the upcoming election, Brillant will face off against diverse opponents, including David Lavoie, former executive director of the Festival TransAmériques, running for the Liberals, Gisèle Pouhe Njall from Québec solidaire, Nour Aliyah Attié representing CAQ, and Mildred Mathieu of the Conservatives.
Rosemont, historically a Parti Québécois stronghold, saw a shift in 2018 with the election of Vincent Marissal, who has since chosen to step away from Québec solidaire and is now an independent candidate. Marissal recently announced his retirement from politics, opting not to seek re-election in the upcoming electoral cycle.
